Illinois Department of Children and Family Services

Yesterday Illinois DCFS celebrated the opening of I Impact, a new residential program for dually involved young men aged 14-17. Each resident will have their own bedroom, learn independent living and job readiness skills and have access to career exploration activities, a music studio, a media studio and mentors. Our thanks to LaCoya Harris, representative Thaddeus Jones and the entire team for partnering with #DCFS and for providing these young men with hope, direction and a bright future.  #makingadifference  JB Pritzker Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton Grace Hou-Ovnik Heidi Mueller Keith Polan Tierney Stutz Heather Tarczan ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE

October is Guardianship Awareness Month. In our latest blog, DCFS Director Heidi Mueller explains the benefits of #guardianship and how it can help pave the way to permanent families for our youth in care. Tierney Stutz Heather Tarczan

Yesterday DCFS Director Heidi Mueller joined Governor JB Pritzker, Chief Officer for Children's Behavioral Health Transformation Dr. Dana Weiner, Senator Natalie Toro and Maryville Academy’s Chair of the Board of Directors Richard A. Devine and Associate Director Nina Aliprandi to cut the ribbon on Maryville's newest program, Saint Catherine of Siena in Chicago. The program will provide temporary housing and support services to youth in care who have complex medical needs so they can successfully transition from hospitals to loving homes. Tierney Stutz Heather Tarczan

October is Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month. There are three simple steps parents, grandparents, babysitters and other caregivers must take every time they put an infant to sleep, whether it’s for a short nap or for the night. Remembering them is as easy as A-B-C. Thank you, Governor Pritzker, for sharing this lifesaving message. #abcsofsafesleep JB Pritzker Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton Heidi Mueller Tierney Stutz Heather Tarczan

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Learn how Illinois DCFS connects domestic violence survivors and their children to community providers to help them heal; and people who use power and control against their intimate partners to the resources they need to be healthy, non-abusive partners and parents. If you need help, you are not alone. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline 24/7 by texting “START” to 88788 or visiting thehotline.org #DVAM2024 #HealHoldCenter #DVAM  Heidi Mueller Jassen Strokosch Tierney Stutz Heather Tarczan Robin Greer-Jogun, M. Ed., QMHP, CDVP

Illinois DCFS is #hiring! Join us at an upcoming event to learn about career opportunities, speak to DCFS representatives and learn how to apply. See all available jobs: https://lnkd.in/gH2ceS77 #careeropportunities #jobs #childwelfare #childprotection #socialwork

As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, we honor the legacy of Celeste Peña, a remarkable social worker whose life’s work was dedicated to uplifting the youth and families of Chicago. #HispanicHeritageMonth #LegacyofService #socialwork Heidi Mueller Jassen Strokosch Tierney Stutz Heather Tarczan Daniel Fitzgerald

October is #HispanicHeritageMonth, a time to reflect on the values of family, resilience and cultural pride that are central to Hispanic communities. Learn how Illinois DCFS supports the Latino youth in our care, the families we serve and our Latino workforce through our services and programs. Heidi Mueller Jassen Strokosch Tierney Stutz Heather Tarczan Daniel Fitzgerald Yeni Rojas

Illinois DCFS has been awarded the Best Use of Technology for Operations – Internal Focus Award by the APHSA -- American Public Human Services Association at the ISM + PHSA Education Conference & Expo for our Psychotropic Medication Consent Bot ("PacBot"). The PacBot is used by the DCFS Guardian's Office who oversees the care of 23,000 youth annually. By leveraging automation, DCFS has revolutionized the consent request process for psychotropic medications, providing timely and critical care for these vulnerable children.   In its first year, PacBot has processed 13,806 consent requests, saving more than 4,800 manual processing hours, directly benefiting the well-being of the youth in our care. Additionally, employee morale has boosted, with staff reporting reduced stress and increased job satisfaction. A recent survey revealed that 100% of users believe PacBot has made their roles easier and more efficient.   This initiative highlights the department’s commitment to providing timely, high-quality services to Illinois youth.    Our thanks to Deloitte and to everyone at Illinois DCFS for their time in making this groundbreaking effort a reality. #ISMPHSA24 #innovation #childwelfare   JB Pritzker Heidi Mueller Jassen Strokosch Tierney Stutz Heather Tarczan

In honor of #HispanicHeratigeMonth, Illinois DCFS is shining the spotlight on our Hispanic team members who are committed to keeping children safe and strengthening families. If you’re ready to make a difference, join us! Soy DCFS – I am DCFS. See all available jobs: https://lnkd.in/gH2ceS77 #careeropportunities #jobs #childwelfare #childprotection #socialwork Heidi Mueller Jassen Strokosch Tierney Stutz Heather Tarczan Kimberly Bates, MA, SHRM-CP